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Family pay heartfelt tribute to Pershore man

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to a Pershore man, who his family say lived life to the full, after he died in a tragic road collision.

The family of Wayne Palfrey said he was a nature loving person and kept people cheerful with his smile and humour.

The 52-year-old, of Head Street, Pershore, died after he was involved a collision with a car on the B4084 Worcester Road on Friday, March 14.

His wife of 17 years Carol said: "He will be fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. Wayne, also known as ‘Plug’, will be sadly missed and his family are all deeply shocked, saddened and devastated following his tragic death."

She said he went to Pershore High School and continued his education at Pershore College of Horticulture.

"His first job was as a green keeper at Fladbury Golf Club and he went on to become manager at Forest Farm Nurseries and Forest Farm Fishing in Pinvin where he worked for 25 years.

"His job was made redundant and he returned to Pershore College of Horticulture to continue expanding his knowledge of plants and helping out in the garden centre.

"For the past few months he volunteered at the Blue Cross charity shop in Pershore – serving customers, sorting and displaying donated items, and keeping everyone cheerful with his smile and humour."

She added Mr Palfrey had been a keen angler, winning trophies in competitions, he loved playing pool in friendly matches, listening to and dancing to Motown and Northern Soul music, and sponsoring dogs. He had also sponsored four dogs at the Dogs Trust in Wickhamford, Evesham.

He leaves Carol, his mother Ros, brothers Mark and Ricky, sister Julie and many other family members and friends.

A funeral service will be held at Pershore Baptist Church on Friday, April 4, at 2.30pm.

Donations for Blue Cross and the Dogs Trust can be sent to E. Hill and Son, Funeral Directors, Fairfield House, Defford Road, Pershore, WR10 1HZ.

An inquest into the death of Mr Palfrey has been opened and listed for a final hearing by the Worcestershire Coroner.